ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 24. Starting in September 2025, the Kazakhstani company MCM (Middle Corridor Maritime) plans to launch regular ferry service on the Kuryk (Kazakhstan) – Alat (Azerbaijan) – Kuryk route to boost the Middle Corridor, Trend reports, citing Kazakhstan Railways.
According to the report, Akim (Governor) of the Mangystau Region, Nurdaulet Kilybay, and Chairman of the Board of the Georgian Industrial Group, David Bezhuashvili, discussed an investment project aimed at developing ferry transportation on the Caspian Sea.
During the meeting, it was noted that starting in September 2025, new ferries will come under the management of Kazakhstan’s MCM, and for the first time, regular ferry services under the Kazakhstani flag will operate on the Kuryk – Alat – Kuryk route.
“Eight to nine voyages per month are planned on this route. Each vessel has a capacity of 54 freight trucks. This level of traffic will significantly increase the throughput capacity of the Caspian corridor and create a reliable logistical bridge between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, opening new opportunities for exporters and importers in both countries,” the statement said.
According to the information, negotiations are underway to expand cooperation with other ferry operators.
Nurdaulet Kilybay emphasized that this initiative will give a strong boost to the development of regional logistics. In turn, David Bezhuashvili expressed his intention to implement specific projects in the Mangystau region.
Moreover, it was highlighted that the development of ferry transportation on the Caspian is part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a maritime nation.
The implementation of such ambitious projects will enable Kazakhstan to significantly enhance its position on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR or Middle Corridor), which connects China with Europe via Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Türkiye, positioning Kazakhstan as a key player in the development of transcontinental transport.
Please note that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is not affiliated with MCM (Middle Corridor Maritime) LLC or the Kuryk–Alyat–Kuryk ferry project. The original article mistakenly named MSC instead of MCM (Middle Corridor Maritime) LLC, and this has now been corrected. MSC denies any involvement in this project.
